Best Fishing Snacks

A day on the water can stretch longer than you planned, and the wrong snacks can leave you sluggish, messy, or distracted when you should be focused on your line. Or, maybe you’re preparing for a weekend-long fishing trip (or longer) and want to be prepared.

Whatever the case, we’ve put together a list of the best fishing snacks to help you stay satisfied and fueled so you can reel them in and reach your limit. These are the best snacks for fishing because they can be eaten with one hand, won’t spoil, and are packed with nutrition:

• Carnivore Snax Meat Chips
• Tuna/Salmon POUCHES
• Jerky and Meat Sticks
• Trail Mix and Nuts
• Sunflower Seeds
• Fresh/Dried Fruit
• Crackers and Pretzels
• Wraps and Sandwiches
• Hard-Boiled Eggs
• Granola/Protein Bars

These are just the tip of the iceberg, too. We see a lot of fishers bring cheese, candy, oatmeal - the list goes on and on. But the best snacks for a fishing trip are just a few clicks away at Carnivore Snax.

Our carnivore chips check every single box. They’re made from just two ingredients: meat and salt. So you can rest assured they’re packed with protein and healthy fats to keep you feeling your best all day long. They taste amazing, travel well, and won’t leave your hands greasy. 

Find your new favorite fishing snack today!

“Like many people I thought this was just a beef jerky, but you are so wrong. The crunch and flavor of the dry meat with the fat and only 2 ingredients is an amazing experience.” - Pawlo

“Your delicious satisfying great textured Snax have me eating red meat again... after a 15 year hiatus! The texture and the meat/fat/salt ratio are a perfect combination. My husband and I are happy to get more protein in our diets. Well done! Kudos to the team.” - Kathleen

“I am a protein junkie… could live off of meat and jerky no problem, so I’ve tried MANY MANY brands of jerky and there is NO COMPARISON! Carnivore Snax tops them all!!! I’m addicted!” - Dusty

Why You Need to Think Carefully About What Snacks to Bring on a Fishing Trip

You probably spend most of your time preparing for a fishing trip thinking about your tacklebox. But food can make or break your time on the water - especially if you’re not just heading to your neighborhood creek or pond. Anytime you spend more than a few hours fishing, you need fuel.

Not just any fuel, though. The best fishing snacks can keep you focused, satisfied, and comfortable. The wrong snacks, on the other hand, leave you distracted, messy, or running out of energy too soon.

Match Snacks to the Type of Fishing Trip

A half-day on shore doesn’t call for the same snacks as a dawn-to-dusk deep-sea charter. A week-long trip in Alaska calls for its own type of planning.

Short trips can handle perishable foods like cheese or sandwiches, while long outings demand lightweight, shelf-stable options. Think about storage, duration, and the conditions you’ll face.

Keeping Your Hands Clean

One often overlooked aspect of choosing the best snacks for fishing is how practical they are from a cleanliness perspective. You’re going to be handling rods, lines, and bait all day. So, snacks need to be easy to grab without leaving grease or crumbs that gunk up your gear.

Packability and Waterproofing

Space is limited, and water gets everywhere. Choose snacks in compact, crush-proof, resealable packaging that won’t fall apart if they get splashed. This is where shelf-stability comes into play again, too. If you don’t have to lug around a cooler, even better!

Steady Energy for Long Days on the Water

Fishing isn’t fast-paced, but it requires patience and alertness. That’s why we think low-cal high-protein snacks and high-fat fat low-carb snacks are the best fishing snacks. They deliver steady fuel without energy crashes.

So, if you’re curious about what snacks to bring on a fishing trip, look no further. We’ve compiled a list of the best snacks for fishing that balance all these things!

What Are the Best Snacks For Fishing?

Hours on the water call for snacks that travel well, keep your hands clean, and give you steady energy without weighing you down. You have no shortage of options at your fingertips, though. So what are the best fishing snacks? Here are our personal favorites. 

Carnivore Snax Meat Chips

We said from the start these meat chips are the best snacks for fishing, and we stand by that. They’re made with meat sourced from the most elite, technical regenerative farms in the nation. Then, we add Redmond Real Salt. That’s literally all that goes into every single bag. Doesn’t get cleaner than that! 

The result is a crisp, airy chip that melts in your mouth, delivering clean protein and fat without sugar, fillers, or preservatives. That simplicity is what separates Carnivore Snax from the rest for anglers. No need to stress about greasy fingers on your rod or food spoiling in the sun.

Plus, there are so many different cuts of meat to choose from - whether you want something super fatty and filling or something light and lean, there’s a variety for you in our lineup. Our most popular include:

• Ribeye Chips: Rich marbling and a buttery bite that satisfies like a meal but packs like a snack.
• Steak Chips: Combine lean and fat for a bold, smoky flavor that keeps you full through long sessions.
• Pork Chips: A hearty, savory crunch that’s different from beef, giving variety to your pack.
• Brisket Chips: Provide a leaner, lighter option for those who want clean protein without the extra fat.
• Chicken Chips: Mild, crisp, and perfect for pairing with other boat-friendly snacks.

Every bag starts as a pound of meat, but the unique drying process we use makes them really light to carry. They’re resealable and shelf-stable, perfect for fishing trips where cooler space is limited. Order your first bag today and see firsthand what makes these the best fishing snacks!

Tuna/Salmon POUCHES

You’re hoping to reel in some big ones…so why not enjoy fish as a snack and put those good vibes out there? Fish pouches are a smart way to bring lean protein on the water without the bulk of cans. They’re lightweight, shelf-stable, and don’t require an opener.

Tear one open and you’ve got a filling snack packed with omega-3s. The only catch is odor. Once opened, you’ll want to seal the trash quickly to keep the birds or bugs from following you around. 

These aren’t exactly the most enjoyable snack as far as taste goes, but they get the job done. 

Jerky and Meat Sticks

You can’t have a conversation on the best fishing snacks without mentioning jerky, or other types of meat snacks like Chomps or Slim Jim. 

These are the tried-and-true outdoor snacks. They’re portable, durable, and packed with protein. They give you steady energy and won’t spoil in the sun. They taste great, even if the texture isn’t quite as satisfying. Some jerky really forces you to earn that bite. 

The downfall, of course, is that not all jerky is made equal. Yes, you can grab a bag on your way to the lake at any grocery store or gas station you pass. But most of what you’ll find is loaded with sugar and additives.

That’s why we believe Carnivore Snax is the beef jerky alternative you need on the boat, riverbank, or shore. We took everything we loved about jerky and got rid of the stuff we hated.

Trail Mix and Nuts

Trail mix delivers a balanced mix of protein, fat, and carbs in every handful. It’s easy to portion ahead of time and versatile. You can add dried fruit, seeds, or even a bit of chocolate if it’s not too hot. Even nuts on their own are great for steady fuel and are quiet to eat on a calm morning.

The only real drawback is oily fingers, which can be annoying when handling gear. Still, trail mix and nuts are a reliable staple that rarely disappoints for long fishing days. We will always consider this one of the best fishing snacks. 

Sunflower Seeds

Looking for a snack to keep your mind busy while you wait for a nibble on your line? You can’t beat sunflower seeds! They’re one of the best snacks for fishing because they help you pass the time, especially on slower days.

They keep your hands busy and your mouth occupied without weighing you down. A small bag lasts hours, and the salty flavor helps replenish what you lose in the sun. 

Just be a good steward of the land and spit the shells into a cup rather than littering them all over the ground or water. And remember that if you overdo it, you might pay for it with raw cheeks the next day. 

Fresh/Dried Fruit

Most of what we’ve talked about so far in our list of the best fishing snacks is protein-heavy - and that’s purposeful. We think it’s the most important nutrient when you’re out on the water all day. But, fruit brings something unique - natural sweetness and hydration.

Apples, grapes, and oranges hold up well in a cooler and offer clean, refreshing bites. Dried fruit like mango or apricots is even more portable, giving quick energy without taking up much space.

Both options work well as complements to protein-rich foods, providing variety on longer trips. The only concern is sugar content. Fresh fruit is better for hydration, while dried fruit should be paired with fat or protein to avoid quick spikes and the subsequent crashes.

Crackers and Pretzels

Crackers and pretzels add a simple, crunchy carb option that pairs perfectly with cheese, meat, or tuna pouches. They’re lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to share on group trips. Mini sleeves or individual packs work better than big boxes.

Just be aware that these are probably not the best snacks for fishing when you want something that fills you up. You’ll have to pair these with something more substantial. They still might earn a place in your pack, though, for balancing textures and rounding out a snack mix.

Wraps and Sandwiches

We’ve listed a lot of the best fishing snacks - but if you’re planning a weekend trip or even an all-day trip with no journey back to camp, you can’t go wrong whipping up a few wraps or sandwiches!

Tortillas hold up better than sliced bread, and fillings like peanut butter, cheese, or cured meats last longer in the heat. You will of course need a cooler of some sort to keep everything fresh. We suggest storing condiments separately and assembling sandwiches on the spot.

Hard-Boiled Eggs

Hard-boiled eggs are compact, protein-packed, and easy to prep in bulk before a trip - definitely one of the best fishing snacks you can have in your arsenal. 

They travel best when peeled ahead of time and stored in a small cooler container. Sprinkle with a little salt or pack single-serve seasoning packets to give them more flavor.

The downside here is something we’ve talked about a lot throughout our guide to the best snacks for fishing: they won’t hold up well without cooling. They’re better for half-day outings or early in the day. Still, they deliver real nutrition with minimal fuss.

Granola/Protein Bars

Last but not least on our list of the best fishing snacks, we have another classic - granola or protein bars. These grab-and-go options require no cooler and little thought. They’re convenient, portion-controlled, and often fortified with nutrients that support energy.

Granola bars tend to be lighter, while protein bars are denser and more filling. Heat can be an issue, though. Chocolate coatings melt quickly in the sun. Plain or fruit-based bars work better for fishing. 

They don’t always feel like “real food,” but their portability and variety make them a useful fallback when space and time are tight. Still, it’s worth noting that Carnivore Snax is the smarter protein bar alternative. It’s the only snack you’ll ever need in your arsenal from here on out!

Bringing Our Guide on the Best Fishing Snacks to a Close

There you have it, all the best snacks for fishing! Remember, a successful fishing trip isn’t just about tackle and technique. You need to keep your energy steady and your hands clean so you can strike when the opportunity presents itself.

The best fishing snacks are portable, clean, and balanced, from tuna pouches and trail mix to fruit and sandwiches. Each has its place depending on the trip, but Carnivore Snax stands apart when you need lightweight fuel that’s clean, quiet, and built for long days on the water.

Simple ingredients, serious flavor, and zero hassle make them a tackle box essential. Stock up today and see for yourself what keeps fishers coming back for more!